Car rental in Martinique: 10 tips for renting your vehicle successfully

Martinique is a little slice of paradise meant to be explored at your own pace. And what better way to enjoy it in complete freedom than by renting a car? At Europcar Martinique, we’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your rental experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Here are our top tips for making the most of your car rental in Martinique while taking care of both our island and your vehicle.

Before the rental

1. Choose the right vehicle for a successful experience

First, think about your needs. For a family or group stay, a spacious compact like the Renault Captur is perfect. If you plan to tackle winding or less-maintained roads, a 4×4 such as the Dacia Duster will offer extra comfort. And if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, or mainly in urban areas, an economical city car like the Renault Clio is ideal.

Consider how much luggage you need to carry to select the best model. At Europcar Martinique, we offer nearly new vehicles suited to every situation!

Most rented: passenger vehicles

Here’s our top selection of the most in-demand rental cars. Hurry, they go fast!

Top Commercial Vehicles – Featured Rentals

Need a van or truck for a move, an event, or a business need? Here are our most popular utility vehicles, ready to get the job done.

2. Book Early and Travel with Peace of Mind

To avoid last-minute stress, book your rental car well in advance — especially during Martinique’s high season. You’ll enjoy better prices and a wider range of vehicles. Planning ahead means peace of mind before your trip even begins!

3. Consider Insurance and Excess Waiver for Peaceful Driving

Better safe than sorry! Adding insurance coverage or an excess waiver package lets you drive worry-free. If anything unexpected happens, you can stay calm and carry on.

During Your Rental

4. Be On Time to Avoid Extra Charges

Please arrive on time to pick up your car. While we allow a one-hour grace period, delays may affect our schedule and inconvenience the next customer.

5. Inspect the Vehicle Before You Drive Off ir

Walk around the vehicle and check for any existing damage. Take photos, note scratches or dents, and report them to our team before leaving. This helps prevent any misunderstandings at return.

6. Take Good Care of Your Rental Car

Taking care of your car = protecting your trip! Simple habits make a difference:

• Cover the seats if you’ve been to the beach to avoid damage from salt and sand.

• Park smart: Avoid parking under coconut trees or manchineel trees (their sap is corrosive). Choose shaded or secure parking areas.

• Rinse your feet before getting in: Keep a small water bottle to wash off sand and keep the interior clean.

7. Drive Safely and Responsibly

Martinique’s roads can be steep and winding, especially in mountainous areas. Drive at a safe speed, anticipate curves, and consider renting an automatic car for better comfort — especially if you're not used to hill starts. Important: Never drive under the influence of alcohol. Police checks are frequent to ensure everyone's safety.

8. Don’t Lose the Keys!

It sounds obvious, but always keep your keys in a safe place. Losing them can lead to extra charges and unnecessary stress — so stay alert.

9. Be Careful with Your Personal Belongings

Never leave valuables visible inside the car. If you must leave items, lock them in the trunk. Martinique is a peaceful island, but it’s always wise to be cautious.

At the End of Your Rental

10. Clean the Car Before Return

Before returning the vehicle, take a few minutes to clean the interior, especially if there’s sand or dirt. A quick vacuum can help you avoid cleaning fees.

Where to clean your rental car and refuel before returning it?

The easiest solution: use a nearby gas station with a car wash or vacuum service. Most stations in Martinique offer this.

Stations near Europcar Martinique Airport:

• Vito Station – 3 minutes from the airport

• Vito Galleria

• Total Station – also close to the airport

Stations near Europcar Le Marin:

• Vito Station – in the town center

• Rubis Station – also in Le Marin

Stations near Europcar Sainte-Anne:

• Vito Station – near Sainte-Anne town center

11. Refuel Before Returning the Car

Most rental agreements require the car to be returned with a full tank, as it was at pick-up. Refuel at a nearby station to avoid additional charges. Alternatively, you can choose our FTO (Full Tank Option) for extra convenience. .

12. Plan Ahead for Vehicle Return

Give yourself some extra time to return the vehicle, especially if you’re flying out of Martinique Aimé Césaire Airport. This helps you avoid last-minute stress and complete return formalities calmly.